FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – A major maritime conference and trade show is for Grand Bahama Island.
The announcement regarding the Bahamas International Conference and Trade Show (BIMCATS) was made during a press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister, Freeport on Friday, October 10.
Michael Humes, First Assistant Secretary at the Cabinet Office and also a Coordinator for the event joined with industry partners from Grand Bahama to formally announce the event.
He pointed out that The Bahamas is highly respected in the international maritime community, having attained and maintained the world’s third largest ship registry.
However, he pointed out that in order for The Bahamas to maintain its position of prominence in the region and in the world, policy makers, programme planners and stakeholders must ensure that The Bahamas stays abreast of the ever-changing demands and developments in the International Maritime Industry.
“As part and parcel of its overall strategy to stimulate interest in the many world class maritime services offered in The Bahamas, as well as to encourage leading shipping companies to consider registering their vessels on the Bahamian Ship Registry, the Government has authorized the Ministry of The Environment to enter into a public-private arrangement with industry stakeholders for the purpose of hosting this major international conference and trade show in The Bahamas,” he explained.
The event is set for November 19 – 21 at the Our Lucaya Resort, and will be held under the theme “Opportunities in Trade and Maritime Services.”
He further informed that the event is intended to serve as a platform for showcasing the multiple facets of the country’s Maritime Industry, particularly as it relates to trans-shipment, trade, ship ownership, registry services, ship repair and other areas of maritime services.
The conference and trade show will also seek to promote The Bahamas as a hub for international trade; highlight the benefits and advantages of The Bahamas International Ship Registry; draw attention to the latest developments and opportunities in the maritime industry in The Bahamas and explore issues related to local and international investment trends and opportunities in the maritime industry.
Mr. Humes also informed that the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos has accepted an invitation to visit The Bahamas during the conference and to deliver the keynote address at the event.
Mr. Humes was accompanied by members of New Providence based Core Organizing Committee to engage in a number of key strategic meetings with industry partners and resort officials on Grand Bahama.
Continuing, he said that in a real way the Conference is about change and opportunity.
“It is about the passion and determination of the Government to bring about a shift in the way business is presently done in the industry and to assist in charting a more accessible and efficient course going forward.
“It is also about a call by the industry for a more conducive regulatory environment in which to conduct business. It is about exposing the international maritime community to the world class maritime infrastructure and support services presently in place, as well as the improvements that are planned,” he stated.
